Travelers who want to take an electric vehicle (EV) road trip will find it relatively easy in Washington State, especially along major corridors such as interstates 5 and 90, and Highway 2. You’ll have no problem finding places to stop and charge around major metro areas like Seattle and Spokane, with plenty of other hubs as well, plus on-site charging at many lodging properties. Infrastructure continues to expand, so planning EV road trips in Washington is easier than ever.
EV Charging Stations
The major EV charging stations in Washington are run by Electrify America (EA) and Tesla, with Charge Point and other types also available. Currently, there are three Tesla charging areas where non-Tesla EVs can also go: George, Forks, and Moses Lake.
The West Coast Electric Highway, a network of fast-charging stations, runs along Interstate 5 and other major roads, including parts of Interstate 90 and Highway 2. These stations are placed every 25–60 miles, providing a seamless charging backbone.
Areas such as Ellensburg, Aberdeen, and Yakima are also hot spots for EV charging stations in Washington. Most major hubs have high-speed plugs (level 2 and 3 chargers), with capacity varying between 150 kW and 350 kW. It’s worth noting that once you motor away from these areas, the available plugs along your route can be much slower, so it’s best to plan ahead.
EV Road Trips in Washington
Interstate 5
Vancouver, WA, to Blaine | About 277 miles
This major interstate runs north-south between Oregon and British Columbia, Canada, and is highly adaptable, making it a great choice if you’re new to EV road trips in Washington. Starting from Vancouver, WA, near the Oregon border, this route takes you through the state capital of Olympia, big cities like Tacoma and Seattle, and scenic towns like Mount Vernon. You can make a road trip of the whole thing or take on smaller sections.
Enjoy wine at one of the many tasting rooms along the Vancouver waterfront, stroll the Ruston Way Waterfront in Tacoma, visit exciting museums in Seattle, sip craft beer in Bellingham, and sample fresh seafood in the coastal town of Blaine near the Canadian border.
For a scenic detour, hop off I-5 around Conway to take the view route through the farmland of the Skagit Valley. See Fir Island Farm Reserve and visit Snow Goose Produce. Continue north to visit tiny Edison, which boasts a renowned bakery, the Breadfarm, and other charming eateries on its cozy main street.
Travel tip: About 30 minutes south of Bellingham, the new Mount Vernon Library Commons building is home to the largest public EV charging station in the country, with 76 spaces. In Seattle, you can take advantage of Seattle City Light’s ever-expanding network of curbside level 2 and high-speed chargers throughout the city.
Interstate 90
Seattle to Spokane | About 279 miles
This east-west corridor has a similar ease and flexibility for an electric vehicle road trip as Interstate 5. Experience the temperate maritime and forest climes of the state’s west side, cruise over the grand Cascade Mountains through Snoqualmie Pass, and roll into the arid agricultural bounty on the east side.
The Mountains to Sound Greenway, the first National Scenic Byway in Washington, runs from Seattle to Ellensburg. Ellensburg is one of the more popular EV charging stations in Washington, although the bulk of these are not downtown. Time your visit for Labor Day Weekend to experience the famous Ellensburg Rodeo, then settle in for some stunning scenery as you continue east. In Vantage, stop by the Gingko Petrified Forest State Park, a geologic preserve of petrified trees discovered in the 1930s. Need a charge? It’s about a 20-minute drive to George, or keep going to Ritzville, where you can grab a bite and a milkshake at local burger chain Zip’s while you wait.
After about an hour of driving, Washington’s second-largest city, Spokane, rises into view, with access to outdoor recreation, local shopping, and much more.
Cascade Loop
About 440 miles
One of the most iconic EV road trips in Washington, this route captures the state’s varied landscapes, from lush forests and mountain peaks to arid grasslands. The full loop (accessible seasonally from around May through October) can make for a wonderful multi-day trip.
Coming from Seattle, charge up in Mount Vernon or Sedro-Woolley before heading out on the North Cascade Highway (Highway 20). Enjoy breathtaking views of jagged snowy peaks and glittering lakes. In tiny Newhalem, walk across the suspension bridge to the easy one-mile Trail of the Cedars loop or pull over at the scenic Diablo Lake Vista Point or Washington Pass Observation Site. Spend the night in Old West-themed Winthrop and grab bites from Methow Valley Ciderhouse or Old Schoolhouse Brewery Pub.
Heading south, farmland turns into orchards and vineyards. Continue onto State Route 153 to popular Lake Chelan (a great stop for watersports and wine) before moving on to Highway 97 toward Wenatchee, which follows along the Columbia River. In Bavarian-style Leavenworth, visit the Nutcracker Museum or grab a bite before heading back over the Cascade Mountains via Stevens Pass on Highway 2.
Wine Country
Yakima to Walla Walla | About 130 miles
Tour through Wine Country and farmland lined with orchards, vineyards, and hop fields on this scenic route. Start in the Yakima Valley, with its abundant wineries and growing collection of microbreweries and cideries. Wind east on Interstate 82 through famed AVAs such as Red Mountain, stopping at small towns and fruit stands along the way. In Prosser, cruise through the town’s Vintner’s Village, a walkable cluster of 11 tasting rooms. Back on the road, head east toward the Tri-Cities, which is a great place to plan on charging. Kennewick has Tesla, Electrify America, ChargePoint, and a few others.
You’ll find plenty of things to do here, from hiking and wine tasting to learning about the Manhattan Project. Loop through Clover Island to see the picturesque Clover Island Lighthouse on the Columbia River. From here, you’ll drive Highway 12 east for about an hour to Walla Walla, home to more than 130 wineries. Make a day of tasting, shopping, and eating in downtown, or check out wineries further afield.
Columbia River Gorge
Vancouver to Goldendale | About 116 miles
This gorgeous drive along Highway 14 follows the mighty Columbia River, forking east from I-5 in Vancouver, WA, until it bumps into I-82 around McNary. Relax at Bonneville Hot Springs Resort and Spa, or stay at Skamania Lodge, which boasts treehouse cabins nestled among the fir trees, plus traditional lodge rooms and glamping options.
As you continue east, you’ll pass the 1926 Bridge of the Gods, which crosses the Columbia River to Oregon. Stop for a hike in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, sip local wine at AniChe Cellars, owned by a mother-daughter team, or visit the Maryhill Museum of Art. Take a short jaunt east on Highway 97 to see the stars at Goldendale Observatory, one of the nation’s largest telescopes.
Highway 101
Olympia to Hoquiam | About 281 miles
This electric vehicle road trip runs along the coast from the Washington-Oregon border and loops around the stunning Olympic Peninsula. There are a few different entry points from the east, including Olympia and the Kitsap Peninsula.
Head north from Olympia, stopping for fresh shellfish at Hama Hama Oyster Saloon before continuing along the Hood Canal to Sequim, which celebrates its signature crop annually with the Lavender Festival in July. Just a half-hour or so east brings you to Port Angeles, with EV charging stations in town. Check out wineries such as Olympic Cellars and Harbinger. Stay overnight overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca at Sea Cliff Gardens Bed & Breakfast between Sequim and Port Angeles.
Continue west to Forks, where you can learn about the town’s roots in the lumber industry at the Forks Timber Museum. To the south, the Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge is home to one of the largest concentrations of shorebirds on the West Coast. Charge your EV next door in Aberdeen. For more, you can continue south on Highway 101 to the Oregon border.
Mukilteo to Whidbey Island
About 41 miles
This EV road trip in Washington takes you from Mukilteo, about an hour north of Seattle, to Whidbey Island via a brief ferry ride. The state-of-the-art ferry terminal is designed in the style of a Coast Salish longhouse. If you have time, leave your car in line and walk the 10 minutes to Mukilteo Lighthouse Park.
The 20-minute water crossing brings you to the south end of the island. Charge your EV at the Blink stations in downtown Langley, where you can browse local boutiques or grab a bite at one of the handful of excellent restaurants. A short hop from Langley, don’t miss Bayview Garden’s glorious nursery, vast gift shop, and light-filled Flower House Cafe. Follow 525 west and north to historic Greenbank Farm, which boasts shops, EV chargers, and dog-friendly grassland and forest trails.
As 525 turns into State Route 20, stop into Coupeville, home of Penn Cove mussels (check out Musselfest in March). Beaver Tales Coffee on the wharf, owned by a Swinomish tribal member, serves up fry bread and scratch-made baked goods. Bed down next to Penn Cove at the cozy Captain Whidbey, where you can enjoy dinner and drinks on the deck. Those interested in naval history can continue north to Oak Harbor, the island’s biggest city.
Also See: Guide to Washington Ferry Routes
Kitsap Peninsula
Gig Harbor to downtown Bainbridge Island | About 63 miles
Start in laid-back Gig Harbor, where you’ll find a variety of EV charging stations both in town and on Highway 16. Check out waterfront 7 Seas Brewing or NetShed No. 9, so named for its setting inside a restored early 1900s net shed, a legacy of the town’s maritime heritage. Head north to the Navy town of Bremerton, where you can visit the USS Turner Joy, a U.S. naval destroyer museum.
Follow Highway 3 around Dyes Inlet to Liberty Bay, one of the largest seal rookeries in Puget Sound (June is seal pup season), before continuing north to Port Gamble, a small National Historic Landmark lumber town with picturesque buildings and cute shops. Butcher & Baker Provisions has a standout fried chicken sandwich among its offerings.
Loop along Highway 104 and 307 to connect with Highway 305 before stopping in Poulsbo, Washington’s “Little Norway,” for some history and great eateries with a view like the Brass Kraken. Once on Bainbridge Island, head to peaceful Bloedel Reserve, a glorious 140-acre series of gardens. End your drive in the downtown core known as Winslow. While away an afternoon here and plug in at one of the handful of EV charging stations (mostly ChargePoint). For city exploration, you can catch a 35-minute ferry to downtown Seattle.
Know Before You Go
When it comes to planning your EV road trip in Washington, you’ll want to have a couple of apps in your pocket. PlugShare shows all the charging stations available on your route, their charging capacity (kilowatt-hours), their condition, and how many plugs are occupied/available. A Better Route Planner helps plan your route according to your car’s range and anticipated miles per kilowatt-hour usage and can be tailored to a variety of considerations. Travel & Life, Irish Independent, Wander With Wonder, and her blog, MerakiTravels.org.
About the Author
Niki Stojnic is a Seattle-based freelance writer and editor covering travel, people, and places in the Pacific Northwest.